I loved the first book in this series, but this second one was even better. I absolutely loved this story, it was amazing.
Below is a slight spoiler foI loved the first book in this series, but this second one was even better. I absolutely loved this story, it was amazing.
Below is a slight spoiler for the romance, it isn't immediately obvious who the romantic partner will be, which is one thing I really liked about it.
(view spoiler)[I never thought I'd be enjoying a fae romance in 2023, but here we are. Can fairies be less 'grr alpha you're my mate now' and more completely clueless but enthusiastically helpful and lovely? I would be down. (hide spoiler)]
I also love how Olivia Atwater uses these book to criticize the society of the Regency era. So far, both books have taken a long, hard look at the parts of Regency England we tend to glamorize for stories like this. I absolutely love it. I can't wait to read the third one and I desperately hope the author will do more with this concept down the line....more
This was a very fun reimagining of Pride and Prejudice. I enjoyed the way the author changed the world to fit the story but still stayed true to the sThis was a very fun reimagining of Pride and Prejudice. I enjoyed the way the author changed the world to fit the story but still stayed true to the spirit of it. I do think I mostly enjoyed it because I know the source material, so I won't read the other books in this series as I haven't read the books they're based on.
I did miss the proposal scene in this though, but I get that the story had to be changed to fit the murder mystery aspect.
This book was very cute. I just really loved it. The atmosphere was great, the character and the romance adorable. I really enjoyed the worldbuilding This book was very cute. I just really loved it. The atmosphere was great, the character and the romance adorable. I really enjoyed the worldbuilding and feeling of the story. It had a nice pace and never felt boring to me. I wouldn't look up too much about this book and just dive into it, it isn't difficult to follow and the story will sweep you along.
I really want more books like this to exist. To have a fantasy adventure book with a m/m romance is really great. I definitely will keep an eye on this author. ...more
I really enjoyed this book. I liked that it was a modern Grease retelling without it sticking too close to the story. You could see the inspiration buI really enjoyed this book. I liked that it was a modern Grease retelling without it sticking too close to the story. You could see the inspiration but I appreciated where it differentiated. I enjoyed the characters and I found the plot surprisingly complex and compelling, the plot with Ollie's aunt and the themes of grief were very well done.
The only thing I struggled with was the romance, which was a shame because its a pretty big part of the book. I just found Will hard to like and hard to root for. I think this book could have been a bit more nuanced if both Ollie and Will got POV chapters. Seeing everything through Ollie's eyes made it hard to like Will a lot of the time. I also think we're kind of dropped in the middle of the romance, as the story starts after they both had this amazing summer together. It occasionally flashed back to it, but I still felt like I was missing backstory. ...more
While I like this series as a whole and didn't think this book was bad, it didn't quite match to the other ones for me.
Mostly because about halfway thWhile I like this series as a whole and didn't think this book was bad, it didn't quite match to the other ones for me.
Mostly because about halfway through the book it goes into an entirely different direction than any of the previous books did, which surprised me. I think it was pulled off alright, but it didn't interest me as much as the first half of the book. It felt a bit like it dragged on.
(view spoiler)[ The suspense on if Pip got away with framing Max for murder just felt like it took too long. I also wasn't entirely sure how to feel about it. I definitely think he deserved to be in jail, but the whole thing left me feeling a bit unsure. (hide spoiler)]
Still a good (and very surprising) ending to the series. I do recommend it! ...more
The premise of this book was intriguing, if a bit silly. I was willing to go along with it, though, and I did enjoy the book. It just started to get aThe premise of this book was intriguing, if a bit silly. I was willing to go along with it, though, and I did enjoy the book. It just started to get a little grating around the middle. I found Jaya to be a bit frustrating at times. It felt like she was singlehandedly keeping the plot from resolving itself. While that's not necessarily a bad thing in a story, it did feel a bit annoying that it was mostly coming from her. Grey opened up to her about the (silly) curse story, and she just refused to tell him anything. The ending also felt a bit too rushed and too easily resolved.
The setting was fun, and I was tempted to read more of the series but I don't really feel a strong enough connection to the side characters. I'm dropping it here, but I would recommend this for people who enjoy modernized fairy tale retellings and boarding school settings. ...more
This book had a strong beginning for me, but lost some momentum along the way. I thought the setup was really strong, and I really liked Cameron as a This book had a strong beginning for me, but lost some momentum along the way. I thought the setup was really strong, and I really liked Cameron as a main character, and the setting and background characters were fun too. This book was definitely an entertaining read, but I think the premise and the setting only carried it so far.
The plot was a bit predictable, which I didn't mind, but I didn't exactly feel the sparks fly for the relationship, personally. I think Cameron´s motivations started to waver a bit along the way, and I'm not entirely sure what the message was that the book was trying to convey.
While reading the book and right after it I felt like it was a strong 4 star, but now that I've had a bit more time to reflect it moved down to 3 for me. That doesn't mean it's a bad book, at all. I flew through it because it's a fun, quick read. But looking back on it, I just feel like it's not as memorable as I wanted it to be. What I cared about most was really the dynamic between Cameron and her parents, and I enjoyed how that story line wrapped up. But while I enjoyed that part, I think that it wasn't enough to bump up the rating....more
I really enjoyed this book. I'm not very well-versed in the King Arthur legend, but I knew enough that I picked up on some references (though probablyI really enjoyed this book. I'm not very well-versed in the King Arthur legend, but I knew enough that I picked up on some references (though probably not all of them by a long shot)
I still really enjoyed it. Guinevere was a very interesting main character and the whole premise of this story is very intriguing. With the ending being what it was, I'm very excited to read on in this series. I'll definitely pick up the next book sometime soon. ...more
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I have to admit I don't know a lot about Robin Hood, as I'm fairly sure I've only seen the Disney versionI wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I have to admit I don't know a lot about Robin Hood, as I'm fairly sure I've only seen the Disney version back when I was a kid, but I had a general idea of what the story is about. I think I expected it to be more action-packed than it ended up being.
There were a few things in this book that didn't quite work for me, and I think most of it has to do with the fact that to me, the writing feels young and some of the themes in the book don't really reflect that. It felt strange. A lot of the story hinges on having a certain suspension of disbelief and a very simplified view of the world, but then it also talks about dark themes like rape and the pregnancy resulting from that, and the entire thing between John and Sylvie. It just felt too different from the general feel of the story to me.
I think a part of that is that the characters don't seem to face much hardship while living out in the wilderness. (view spoiler)[ Sylvie was very worried for winter, but when it actually came around anything bad about it was pretty much glossed over and we hardly see them struggle with the cold. (hide spoiler)] It just felt too easy to me, and every conflict was quickly solved.
One last thing is that the romance didn't make much sense to me. There was nothing standing in the way of it except bad communication. If the two had talked openly for a single moment everything would have been solved, and with how close they were there wasn't really any reason why they wouldn't'. The obstacles in their way never felt real to me.
But despite my complaints, I did enjoy the story and the way it was written. It was easy to read, and I liked the framing of the chapters in seasons. (view spoiler)[The scene where they give the village supplies by sending boats full of them down the river was really nice, I loved the visual of that. (hide spoiler)] I just think it lacked depth and tried to make up for that with mature themes that didn't fit the feel of the rest of the story....more
Even though I loved the author's previous book The Song of Achilles when I read it in 2015, I was strangely a bit hesitant to pick this one up. But I'Even though I loved the author's previous book The Song of Achilles when I read it in 2015, I was strangely a bit hesitant to pick this one up. But I'm glad I did in the end. I suppose I was worried that my limited knowledge of Greek mythology would hinder my enjoyment of the story, but that thankfully wasn't the case. Madeline Miller does a great job of describing things in a very clear way, easy to follow even for those unfamiliar with the details of Greek mythology.
I really loved reading about Circe's life. The author does a wonderful job of showing her change through the centuries, and showing different interactions with different characters from the myths. I was surprised by how much the story swept me away, even though most of it takes place in one location.
All in all, if you have any interest in Greek mythology and don't mind a slower story, I definitely recommend this book! It's beautifully written....more
I read Uprooted nearly three years ago, and I really enjoyed that book. But I enjoyed Spinning Silver a lot more, it was really a gorgeous story. I loI read Uprooted nearly three years ago, and I really enjoyed that book. But I enjoyed Spinning Silver a lot more, it was really a gorgeous story. I love how it took parts of the fairy tale it was retelling but completely changed everything around it, it made the world feel rich and unique, but still with a mythical fairy tale atmosphere.
This novel follows three different girls, though there are a few other POV chapters as well. I loved seeing their different backgrounds and personalities, and really liked all three of them. Miryem was definitely my favorite character, though. Her adventures (view spoiler)[ in the Staryk realm (hide spoiler)] were really interesting, and I loved her personality from the start. I enjoyed the other two girls as well, but Miryem was definitely my favorite.
The way the author showed more and more of the world slowly was very well done, and I love how complex the world was. All in all, this was a wonderful story and a very good book. I definitely recommend it, and will look forward to more books by this author....more
This book, to me, is exactly what a retelling should be. Not a simple rehashing of the story and not an entirely new story with the name 'retelling' jThis book, to me, is exactly what a retelling should be. Not a simple rehashing of the story and not an entirely new story with the name 'retelling' just to sell books either. This book was clearly inspired by the story The Little Mermaid, but the author managed to twist it around and make it her own.
The characters were what sold this story for sure. There weren't overly many, and that was good as it is a stand-alone book. The characters on the page were exactly what was necessary for the story to function, and their relationships with each other made the book feel real and captivating. Besides the characters, the worldbuilding stood out to me the most. The Sea Kingdom and its rules, the many other kingdoms including Midas, and the way the different kingdoms interacted with each other was fascinating.
I found the premise intriguing, but I wasn't sure if I would buy the romance. In the end, I totally did. I loved how slowly it developed, as instalove would have ruined this book for me. Instead, the author made me really believe these two were falling for each other. It felt natural and not forced. Lira's character development throughout the book was beautiful as well. This entire story just works for me.
I'm also really glad this isn't a series. You may wonder why, as I loved it so why wouldn't I want to read more? But it feels like this story is final, done, over. The author could have dragged it out so she could have a sequel, but that would have made the pacing go very slowly and probably added unnecessary side-quests in other kingdoms to fill up space. This way the pacing was perfect. I don't need a sequel to this story, but I'll definitely keep an eye on what Alexandra Christo publishes next....more
After rewatching the Lizzie Bennet Diaries, I was very curious about this book, as I hadn't read it yet though I've watched the youtube series a few tAfter rewatching the Lizzie Bennet Diaries, I was very curious about this book, as I hadn't read it yet though I've watched the youtube series a few times. While it definitely enhances the already amazing youtube adaption a little, I don't think it adds enough to truly stand alone as a good book. There were a few new things, but it didn't hold my attention as much. I have to say the writers did capture the feel of the youtube series fairly well, but the skeptical part of me feels like this book was only made so fans will buy it for Darcy's letter. It was enjoyable, but nothing groundbreaking or really necessary. ...more
I'm sad to finish this and with it finish the Lunar Chronicles series. I really, really loved this series and I really enjoyed these stories as well. I'm sad to finish this and with it finish the Lunar Chronicles series. I really, really loved this series and I really enjoyed these stories as well.
I'm going to rate the stories individually, linking to the 4 stories I've already reviewed in the past.
The Keeper 4 Stars. I liked reading from Michelle Benoit's point of view and to see more of Scarlet as a younger girl. It was a nice story that I felt actually added something to the characters.
Carswell's Guide to Being Lucky 3 Stars. Review here.
After Sunshine Passes By 4 Stars. This was a sad story, but it was interesting to get a glimpse of Cress' childhood.
The Princess and the Guard 5 Stars. I really, really liked the insight we get in the Lunar court. This is also largely why I liked Fairest so much, but seeing it through a child's eyes makes everything seem just a little bit more horrifying.
The Mechanic 3 Stars. I never really understand the point of rewriting a thing through another person's perspective, it doesn't often add much. I only enjoyed it because I like Cinder and Kai a lot.
Something Old, Something New 4 Stars. (view spoiler)[ I admit I was a little bit disappointed when I figured out it wasn't Kai and Cinder getting married, but it was still a very nice story. I could read pages and pages of these characters interacting with each other without getting bored. (hide spoiler)]
This book was on my TBR list for a while, but I was always a little bit scared to start it. It seemed like it would be a tough read because of the subThis book was on my TBR list for a while, but I was always a little bit scared to start it. It seemed like it would be a tough read because of the subject matter, and it was. I always found Peter Pan somewhat unlikable, even in the happy Disney version of the story. So I really admire the way Brom managed to make him infinitely worse as a person but also managed to make me like him. The writing and world building was very interesting, and I love how the author set the book in a different sort of world than the story it was based of. Instead of Neverland, the author creates a different world based on different pieces of real-world mythology that are explained in the back of the book. It's very fascinating and definitely elevates the book from a simple retelling to something more original. (view spoiler)[ I just didn't care too much about Peter's own backstory and spent most of those flashback scenes wishing the focus would shift back to the present. (hide spoiler)]
But even though I really liked it, it really was a hard book to read. There's a lot of gruesome violence in it, especially against children. I suppose that isn't a surprise if you read the synopsis, but I still want to mention it in my review. I can totally understand that not being everyone's thing, so consider it a warning if you're curious about the book. ...more
I remember really enjoying The Wrath & the Dawn when I read it, but it seems like it didn't stick with me as well as I thought, because I realized whiI remember really enjoying The Wrath & the Dawn when I read it, but it seems like it didn't stick with me as well as I thought, because I realized while reading this sequel that I had forgotten a lot, which made it hard for me to get into the story at first.
It wasn't the only reason I had trouble at the start, though. I felt like The Rose & the Dagger didn't really get going until at least the halfway point. Before that, not a whole lot happened and I had to struggle to keep going because it didn't keep my interest. Even after the halfway point, I felt like it just wasn't quite as good as the first book. It had less tension, less interesting relationships and just less substance. I don't know if this sequel was completely necessary, looking back at it.
The second half of the book was alright, once there's some interesting action starting and more people interact with one another. So I did enjoy part of it but it took a little too long for me to get there. I also did think the ending was a little bit rushed. ...more
This book was amazing, just as expected from Marissa Meyer. I loved the Lunar Chronicles a lot, and I was very excited when I heard about this book. IThis book was amazing, just as expected from Marissa Meyer. I loved the Lunar Chronicles a lot, and I was very excited when I heard about this book. I personally never grew up with the story of Alice in Wonderland, I never read it or even saw the Disney movie, but I still really enjoyed this book. I probably missed a bunch of references, but it didn't matter on the long run. I think that shows that this book, despite being a retelling of another story, doesn't rely too heavily on the source material.
I was apprehensive about it being a standalone before I started, but now that I've finished it I know that was the perfect choice. It ends exactly at the right moment, and I couldn't help but adore how dark the ending was. (view spoiler)[ Even though I've never read or seen Alice in Wonderland, I do know a lot of the basics about the story. So I knew how things would probably end, but I think it was still daring to go there. Happy endings are good, but in a story like this, a more chilling one was absolutely perfect. (hide spoiler)]
I recommend this book to everyone. As I've proven, you don't have to love or even know Alice in Wonderland to love this story. ...more
This book is an excellent example of how to make your villain's actions understandable and their backstory tragic without excusing their terrible actiThis book is an excellent example of how to make your villain's actions understandable and their backstory tragic without excusing their terrible actions. It was incredibly done and while I understood Levana a whole lot more, her despicable actions were never shown in a positive light. It was interesting to see more of Luna and the lunar court and nice to get a glimpse of princess Winter. ...more
This novella gave a lot of insight into Wolf's past and I loved it. The whole concept of the army is so terrifying and it was very well done, it made This novella gave a lot of insight into Wolf's past and I loved it. The whole concept of the army is so terrifying and it was very well done, it made me like Wolf more as a character....more
A wonderfully sad retelling of The Little Mermaid, I thought it was well written and beautifully done. I did think the end was a little bit rushed andA wonderfully sad retelling of The Little Mermaid, I thought it was well written and beautifully done. I did think the end was a little bit rushed and I wish there had been more of a link to the other books in the series, though. ...more